CHAMBERS COUNTY, Ala. — A Coweta County fire battalion chief died on Sunday after an Alabama man shot him while he was trying to help a driver who hit a deer.
James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, served as a Battalion Fire Chief with Coweta County Fire Rescue.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama will charge William Randall Franklin with murder in Cauthen’s death.
“Tonight, Coweta Fire Rescue is devastated to hear of the loss of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentor, and family to a senseless tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cauthen family as they go through this difficult time. We asked that you keep this family in your hearts and prayers,” the Coweta County fire department said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened Sunday night on County Road 267 near U.S. 431. Deputies responded initially to a call about a driver hitting a deer.
They found three people shot: Cauthen, Franklin and the driver.
“This was an exceptional call that nobody could have been prepared for. Our first deputy on the scene thought he was pulling up on a simple deer wreck. Instead, he found 3 individuals with gunshot wounds. Nothing could’ve prepared him for that,” Chambers County Sheriff’s Office commented on their Facebook page.
The sheriff’s office said they determined that Cauthen and the driver didn’t have any cell service and were walking toward Franklin’s driveway to try to call for help.
That is when deputies say Franklin started shooting. At some point, Franklin was also shot, but it’s unclear who shot him.
Deputies declared Cauthen dead at the scene. Paramedics took the driver to a nearby hospital. They also took Franklin to Piedmont Medical Center in Columbus.
Once he is released from the hospital, Franklin will be charged with murder.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Georgia Department of Transportation prepping for ‘big, unpredictable’ storm system
- Driver stuck on train tracks in Austell was driving under the influence
- TikTok is back for US users, but for how long? Atlanta influencer making back-up plans
The Coweta County Fire Department said Cauthen had been with the department for over 24 years.
“He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul,” the department said. “Just like many of you, we have many questions as we navigate through this horrible tragedy.”
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division at (334) 864-4333.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
